Memories on Memorial Day

A timeless keepsake. . . .

If you are one of our fans on our facebook page, you probably saw the excitement this beautiful crochet afghan created. Customer, Phyllis, has crocheted amazing after amazing beautiful afghans. When she came in with this one, it was the last we could handle. The walls of the store caved in as we gasped! Henry commented "Modern and edgy isn't what you usually think of when you consider a crochet project but this is exactly the feeling we get when we look at this afghan brought in by a customer of ours. Color can make all the difference when creating a gift for someone who might not be a big fan of your craft. This is a gift for a young man and there's no shame in a crocheted afghan thrown over your computer chair when its in such "awesome" colors."

The yarn is Cascade's 220 Superwash and with over 200 shades, it is sure thing that any multicolored project will be a success!

Universal heard our requests and gave us what we wanted. Solids to go with the Classic Shades. But even knit on their own, this beautiful yarn is loosely spun, soft to the touch, with a beautiful sheen and and unheard of low price of $6 for 197 yds (100grams).
Classic Shades (70% acrylic / 30% wool) is a soft-to-the touch acrylic/wool roving style yarn featuring a stunning selection of colors which shade easily, one to the next. With a sheen similar to silk, finished garments in Universal's Classic Shades take on a painterly quality perfect for sweaters and winter accessories --- plus, this worsted weight yarn is machine washable! Gauge: 4, 4.5 or 5 sts per inch on US#9, 8 or 7 needle. Or Crochet on a I, J or K hook.

The Portland Rose Festival opened this weekend.  Despite the ever changing weather, crowds came out to celebrate.  This photo is from the Columbian Newspaper.   This particular event is a leisure 10-15 minute walk of 1/2 mile along the Waterfront Boardwalk from the Yarn Store. A perfect ending to a Saturday work day.

Have a great holiday whether you are BBQing with family, or relaxing around the house with your stitching projects!

Events, events, sales and visits!

The Pacific NW Knitting Machine Seminar went off without a hitch in the beautiful downtown Vancouver Hilton Convention Center.  A great event with lots of education, entertainment and fun!!  Machine knitters had much to learn and share in a beautiful location.  Thank you all for joining us!  You made it successful!

Lily Chin's class on Sunday was a very intimate affair with hand knitters learning many secrets to successful knitting and then enjoyed the afternoon learning reversible cables.  I learned that Lily is responsible for the reversible cables as we know them today, where there is NO wrong side.  There were reversible cables many years ago, but they are not the truly reversible cables that Lily does.

BLOG SPECIAL
We are moving our Pastaza out to make room for some new exciting yarns!  Normally $8.50 and $12.50 for the hand dyed, we are offering a special blog purchase at $4.50 for either.  Get yours before we post the sale price on line!  You do want to yours while the selection is good.  Soon we will post it on our clearance page, and it go like wildfire in August!

Cascade Pastaza Yarn is a 50% Llama / 50% Wool, 100g - 132 yds per hank.

Gauge:4 sts per inch on US#9 (5.5mm)

Care: Hand wash and lay flat.

Order on page http://www.yarn-store.com/cascade-pastaza-yarn.html and page http://www.yarn-store.com/cascade-pastaza-paints-yarn.html, and be sure to post the code BS450 in the comment line during checkout.  I will reduce the price before I collect on your credit card authorization.
Don't FORGET!!  BS450 in the comment line, and I will change the price of the yarn (solid, heather or hand paint) to only $4.50, otherwise it is still full price! (special price limited to stock on hand.)

Thank you to the Tigard Knitting Guild . . . . . I think . . . .  seriously....yes, thank you.  But imagine my eyes when the guild pulled up in this monster bus!  55+ hand knitters stopped in for a 45-60 minute furious buying spree on Saturday morning.  The weather was beautiful for their annual Shop Hop event.  This was their first year stopping at Angelika's Yarn Store.  Thank you members!  Hope to see you all again!

Only a few days left until my Knitting Machine Seminar, at the Vancouver (WA) Hilton Convention Center.  Registration is still open for this "kick-in-the-pants" event!  Connect with other machine knitters and sharpen your  skills, and simply just laugh out loud!  

See the schedule, the classes and sign up on my Events page:  http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html 

Don't spend your Mother's Day like any other year!  Make this year special by spending it in my Lily Chin Workshop in my store,  in a way that makes it a one of a kind day!!  Registration is still open.  Check it out on my Events page:  http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html  Don't wait any longer!!

Lacy ruffly yarn is still burning up the knitting world.  Rozetti Spectra and Marina from Universal Yarns are now in stock!!  Price is great!  Shipping is even sweeter!

Cascade's Heritage Silk

Merino Wool (a good one!!) and Mulberry Silk....this is the stuff that heirlooms are make of!  Cascade's Heritage Silk is silky-soft "rub-my-cheek" yarn!  

Cascade Heritage Silk is 85% Merino Superwash Wool, 15% Mulberry Silk

Gauge: US 1-3 / 7.5-8= 1"100gr (3.5 oz) / 437yds (400 m)

Care: Machine Wash Warm Gentle /Tumble Dry Low Heat

Absolutely the richest blend. Makes beautiful texture and stunning lace. IDEAL for the standard gauge knitting machine.

(download the free lacy-cable scarf on my Heritage Silk page.)

Blocking is crucial to every knit project.  Setting the stitches, securing the final dimensions, it is what all professionals do. Blocking boards can be heavy, clumsy and expensive.

Born out of necessity, the Knitter's Block blocking board set is versatile, lightweight, and compact. Here are a few key points from the Coco Knits website about their interlocking blocking board:

• Very low, lightly barbed pile
  • fabric covering gently grips your knitting without pilling or leaving fibers
• Heat resistant
  • essential for steam blocking
• Thick backing of waterproof EVA
  • suitable for use on any surface since moisture won’t seep through
  • Because the tiles don't absorb water, blocked items will dry faster than with towels and cloths
  • holds pins firmly in place 
• Versatile
  • can be assembled in a variety of sizes from a square for sweater pieces, a long rectangle for scarves or a triangle for shawls
• Compact
• blocks are stored in a sturdy 14”x14” bag

What I like about this set is that it is small, takes very little space to store away in its own bag.  It isn't heavy, yet is thick enough for blocking pins.  Kit also includes T-pins and a lint-free pressing cloth, all stored in a reusable storage page.

RAINBOW!!

Done Roving Hand Dyed Yarns

Bread, born, raised, sheared, spun and dyed all in the good United States!!  This yarn has our Saturday group all a-buzz, with it's brilliant colors and sweet spin.  Here is a picture of the most recent shipment.  Henry will have all the new colors up on the web site, after our seminar is over, but in the mean time, feel free to do a phone order.  Or if you are an existing customer, just email us!!

(I've extracted the color list from our software . . . . here you go!  Enjoy!

Anemone Windflower

Christmas Cactus

Copper Pennies

Garnets & Rubies

Highland Haze

Irish Moss

Lady Slipper

Lavender & Sage

Magenta Mood

Mandarin Lime

Navajo Sky

Plum Pretty

Plum Tree

Pot O Gold

Robin Eggs

Southwest Gem

Starry Starry Night

Wild Blue Yonder

Wild Violets

Take care, knit to your heart's content!   Angelika & Henry

Simply Angelic

Attend my Pacific NW Knitting Machine Seminar and be the first to own the Angelic Scarf pattern. This is one of my designs, and will make its debut during our show.  It takes only about an hour to knit on a mid-gauge machine, and there's no finishing.  This pattern will be kitted up with a hank of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock .  Wrap around your shoulder and close with a stick pin, or wrap it from front to back and to the front again to wear on cooler days.  Knit it a bright cheery color for a splash of smiles, or knit it in conservative shades for the man in your life (if he likes conservative!)  Make up bunches and use them for gifts or fund raisers!!   It all comes together with amazing qualities of  Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock!

You Will Want One For Yourself!

Don't forget!!  Only 2 weeks left to enjoy a fun and lighthearted day with Lily Chin. 

It's YOUR day!  Do it your way! 

Learn ways to perfect your knitting with Lily in the morning, and knit reversible cables in the afternoon!  And she always throws in many extras!!  And we've got lots of extra special gifties!!  Reserve your spot now.  Only a few remain!  Learn more on my events page: http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html

Less than 2 weeks!!

This small and intimate seminar is the perfect setting for some nearly one-on-one time with successful designers and long term knitting teachers.  Stand up and proudly announce you are a machine knitter and a good one!!!  We can do simply amazing stuff!!  Don't miss this opportunity to join with other happy mk'ers and strut your stuff, polish your skills and laugh it up with long time friends!  Make a showing....I want to see you all there!  Join me at my Pacific NW Knitting Machine Seminar!

So last week, I stopped in at a little sandwich shop (The Energy Bar on South Park blocks) a few blocks from the store.  I was thinking that if I could find a shop that would be open on Sunday, May 13, that we could order sandwiches in for our Lily Chin Workshop.  The gentlemen was very agreeable, and I walked away with a menu.  On this past Friday, he showed up at the store with a plate of warm cookies, and said "don't forget about me for your workshop".  Now that's marketing or customer service or however you want to call it, but that closed the deal for me.  So about mid morning, those who are interested, can order off his menu, and either Henry or I will go pick up the sandwiches.

There are still a few spots open for Lily's workshop on Sunday, May 13.  But you don't want to wait much longer!!  Here is the pdf registration form.  Or you can also register on-line at http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html, or just call or stop in at the Yarn Store.  (Portland Center Plaza, 1975 SW 1st Ave, Portland 97201, 503-200-5991.

Creative juices still flowing with the arrival of Cotton Supreme Sequins.  It has been chattering away at me, not staying out of my mind, until something perfect popped up for it.  Browsing through clothing catalogs that I get weekly, I found this top.  It is perfect for this yarn.  And yesterday, at our Open House Knit/Crochet, I moved the  Silver Reed LK150 knitting machine up front and did my swatch.  

The sequins did ok through the machine.  A few fell off, but I learned if I knit slower I had less of that.  And I'm thinking that if I did this on the SK155 Silver Reed Bulky knitting machine, fewer would fall off because there is more area for them to move between the needles.

The Pacific NW Knitting Machine Seminar is getting closer and closer.  I am soooo excited to see everyone, and the amazing designs of the instructors.  The early bird discount expired Friday night, but I'm holding it open until Monday morning.  So if you have been hesitating, jump on this now!!  

http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html

2 full days of lecture demonstation, and the registration includes Friday Breakfast and Saturday Lunch.

Class Descriptions

Friday Schedule

Saturday Schedule

Portland is set for a beautiful weekend.  Yesterday it was in the mid 70s downtown.  After the store closed, I walked down to the Saturday Market.  Operating since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts maket in the nation.  It is centered on the west end of Portland's historic Old Town, bordering the Willamette River.  Within walking distance from the store, I often walk down after the store closes on Saturdays. 

Hope your summer is progressing well.  Keep knitting and crocheting, and keep in touch!!

PS:  visit me at http://www.facebook.com/a.Yarn.Store  and share your projects with Henry and I !!

Sparkle, Color & Fun

As we prepare for the first Pacific NW Knitting Machine Seminar, we'll be sharing sneak peeks of the classes and topics our many instructors will be covering, such as Short Rows I:
Discover innovative tricks for using short rows to create a variety of unusual, eye-catching garments - including this trendy newsboy cap and matching scarf - during Linda Jensen's Short Rows I class!
See the full list of classes on our website - and even register online to take advantage of our Early Bird Special which ends in 5 short days!!  http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html

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Deck yourself out in colors like this and make those spring blooms wilt with envy. 100% made in America superwash sock wool from Done Roving is now available online!

I hate to be a tease but during our Saturday Open House, Marsha came in with her Pot 'O Gold scarf started! It'll be several weeks before we find it back on our shelves but that doesn't mean you can't order it now! Laura also walked out with two of her own colors; one being a true cyan (Southwestern Gem) which is not a friendly color when it comes to cameras but boy is it BRIGHT! I'm sure I'll be attempting to capture shots of it anyway, its just too hard to resist. See more colors, and keep your eye on this page http://yarn-store.com/done-roving-frolicking-feet-sock-yarn.html New stock will be arriving soon!

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The cotton that's as soft as your favorite t-shirt now comes with sequins! We've got all the colors in stock so order today and start your eye-catching summer project. Isn't that the craziest!! Homey soft cotton with sequins! Such opposites! Cute summer cardigans or vests for little girls, or a open lacey bathing suit cover-up are the first thiings of thought of for this yarn. On the needles, I am merging 3 of Knitting Pure and Simple's patterns for a cap sleeve summer cardigan for a two yr old. Ad-or-a-ble !!! See more colors at http://www.yarn-store.com/universal-cotton-supreme-sequins-yarn.html

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Relax and knit up something simple with your favorite yarn. Today I am showing you my latest COMPLETED (yes, I finished something!!) project: the Side to Side Pullover (#124) from Knitting Pure and Simple. http://www.yarn-store.com/knitted-shell-patterns.html I experimented a little and decided to use one of mt favorite yarns: Lorna's Laces Heaven. http://www.yarn-store.com/lornas-laces-heaven-yarn.html I knit it without ease, and allowed the looseness of the knit confirm to my body, thus giving it a fitted look. The pattern is actually knit much looser and drapes loosely down the body. Very cute!!!

Machine Knitting Seminar, Hand Knitting Workshop, Needles & Yarn!

Some people make New Year's Resolutions! I make resolutions every week! My newest one is that I will BLOG every Sunday morning. I usually do bookkeeping on Sunday mornings, but that schedule will have to adjust for blogging!

If you are facebook fans, you will see Henry and I on facebook at least 5 times a week. You can like us at http://www.facebook.com/a.Yarn.Store  I also joined Pinterest.  A few times a week I pin things I like to them at http://pinterest.com/yarnstore/.

So much going on here in Angelika's Yarn Store.  I will start with the biggest items.

5 weeks until the Pacific NW Knitting Machine Seminar.
Lily Chin: Designing, Draping and of course, Lily's fabulous little secrets.
Uyvonne Bigham: Surprise, surprise and things you've never seen before
Helen Sharp: Unusual hats and scarfs. Classy young styles for the new machine knitter.
Morgan Hicks: DesignaKnit 8 Workshop (bring your laptop, loaded and updated with DAK8.)
Linda Jensen: Ripples, Ruffles, Romantic. Fun with looks for today's young knitter.
April Mills: Traditional garments, toys and techniques to polish your skills.

It is a 2 day event at the downtown Vancouver Hilton Convention Center.  Absolutely beautiful location and beautiful small convention center.  We are up on the mezzanine with classrooms next to each other and a large hall for "legal loitering" and a small market area.
Pdfs and more details can be found at  http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html.

Also, in my store:
Treat yourself and your Mother to a special Mother's Day Workshop with Lily Chin. Polish and shine your handknit skills with Lily's professional tips. Want a scarf or any other fabric to look the same on both sides? Knit reversible cables with this vivacious instructor! This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a small, private workshop with such a knowledgeable and entertaining teacher!
Sign up now! Space is limited!
Free Parking, easy access.
Pdfs and more details can be found at http://www.yarn-store.com/events.html



So many new products in the store. The biggest addition are the Knitter's Pride Needles. They consist of Dreamz, Nova and Symfonie. The Nova's are nickel plated brass. Very slick with sharp points. Your knitting will move along quite quickly because your stitches will slip off very easily. If you want a needle with a bit more grab, the Dreamz are laminated birch from Vermont, manufactured in India on Swiss machines, and shipped back to the US. Needles are color coded by size in pastels of purple, green, orange, raspberry, teal, and yellow, muted by the natural grain of the birch. The Dreamz is available in the traditional round needle, and also a square needle, called Cubics. A more natural wood tone is the elegant Symfonie. Also available in round or cubic style.

All needles are available in double point, single point and circular, and crochet! All the sets offer a dizzingly selection of sets in, again, double, single and circular. We are getting them all in. If you don't see what you want, email us. We've divided this large purchase down into sections and are bringing them in in chunks, but also have been bringing in any styles specifically asked for.

Not specifically a new yarn, but one that has been getting a lot of attention is Cascade's 220 SPORT Superwash. This yarn does not feel like wool! It is almost as soft as a alpaca/silk blend I have in the store.

Henry has been working with it (see pic), and he has been posting updates on the progress of his scarf on Facebook.






I've been looking at colors for a possible crochet project that is on the cover of the current issue of Crochet!  They use a single multi-color yarn.  I'm thinking about 3 closely matched shades of 220 Sport Superwash. We have the new baby book for this yarn, and a couple colors (pinks) not yet uploaded to website, but they are in stock! Just call or email us at salesdesk@yarn-store.com if there is another shade you like. We receive shipments from this warehouse every 2 weeks!

Take care, see you soon, and remember, we are as close you your email and facebook pages!